Baptism in the Holy Spirit with Evidence...

I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  I do not believe that it is just a collection of stories and illustrations that were assembled as a book for people to read.  I believe that the words, ideas, thoughts and history were given to the authors to write down by God.  In those words, God gives hope, encouragement, guidance and wisdom.  It is in those words that I look for the way God wants me to live my life.

In my last post I said that we started a new class.  This one is on evangelism.  We are starting the study by looking at and comparing the Great Commission as it is written in the four gospels and Acts.  At the end of the lesson we discussed how in Luke and John’s accounts the Lord commands us to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  We as humans do not have the power to complete the work God has for us to do, so He has sent a Helper to us.  We need to accept that Helper through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Near the end of our discussion, we became slightly sidetracked over a misunderstanding about the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.  This is mentioned several times in the Bible.  On the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2:4, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”  When Peter was at Cornelius’s house in Acts 10:23-46.  “While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.  The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.  For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God” (Acts 10:44-46).  

Peter also says in Acts 11:15-17, “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.  Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”  In this passage Peter was explaining his actions at Cornelius’s house.  And he stated that those there were baptized with the Holy Spirit just as the believers were in Acts 2:4.

If the inspired word of God (aka the Bible) gives us these examples of how the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred in the early church, why would it be any different for us today?  Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  If He does not change, why would He change the gift He gave during the gospel times to something else today?  Why would He not allow us the same experience?  And as with those on the day of Pentecost, why wouldn't God give me an outward sign or evidence that I too have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Prepared?

Two weeks ago I got word that the textbooks for our new class were in and I could pick mine up at church the next morning.  I was so excited.  I had trouble sleeping that night because I could not wait to pick it up.  I was giddy with anticipation.  (You can stop laughing.  I am not that crazy or weird)  I love to learn!  Don't just say well you should since you are a teacher.  Because I know many teachers who feel they have their degree so their learning is over.  But that is so untrue.  We learn from everything and everyone around us.


So, I love to learn, and I love books.  They are like friends.  You read them and get to know them.  You can revisit them to review or learn something new.  My point is I am excited because I have a new book.


This new book will open up a new world and teach me new ideas.  It will help prepare me for things to come.  And most of all it will help me grow closer to God.


Part of growing closer to God means preparing for the work He had for you to do.  I do not know where God is leading me right now.  Maybe I will remain where I am and do what I am doing.  Either way I want to be prepared for where God leads me or for what questions I am asked.  I will still rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and whatever other help God sends my way.  But I want to have the relationship and arsenal God needs in me so I am prepared to follow.


Peter tells us "Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:13).  And in 1 Peter 3:15, he says, " But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..."  Both verses say to be prepared.  How can you do this without opening a book to study?


A year ago, I was studying for the final exam for my second class.  I had read the text and answered all the objectives and questions.  To help me prepare, I made flashcards to quiz myself over and over.  The day of the final, I was on a school bus returning from a field trip. To pass the time I was running through my flashcards again.  One of my colleagues saw what I was doing and asked about it.  I explained about the class and we talked for a little while about it.  She then said to me that she didn't have time for that besides she would rather go to church and have the preacher tell her what she needed to know.  I could not believe it.  How does she know they are teaching her the right thing?  How will she develop a relationship with God if she does not spend time?  How will she be prepared?

Let Your "Yes" Mean Yes...

When I was growing up we would try to get my mom to make promises. Not for anything important but for childish things like could we go somewhere, have a friend spend the night over the weekend, or would she do something for us.  But she would never make a promise because she said she would not want to break her word if something happened and she could not follow through on her promise.  She always said we would try or she would do her best to do something.  Her example helped to teach me the value of words and better yet the value of your word.


Jesus taught about making promises and vows in Matthew 5:33-37.

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.'  But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.  And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.  All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No,' anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

This topic is also mentioned in James 5:12.  "Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No" be no, or you will be condemned."  Jesus and James are not saying that you should not make promises or vows, but that you should not make them lightly.  Sometimes in life we have to make promises - when we marry, for our job... We should give these matters a lot of prayer, thought and study before making that commitment.  We should not make promises we know we cannot or are not willing to keep.  


Keeping promises is important because it builds trust and relationships with those around us.  It makes it harder for others to believe us when we break promises and we do not keep our word.  According to the Life Application Bible (p2098) "By avoiding lies, half-truth, and omissions of the truth, you will become known as a trustworthy person."


So that leaves me with one last thought.  If you take on the role or title of a job when you do not fully believe in ALL that role or title include, are you keeping the promise you made?  Are you a trustworthy person?  Does your "Yes" mean yes and your "No," no?

I Hate It Here...

According to the Life Application Bible’s dictionary, hate means “dislike or detest; strong emotional aversion; detestable.”  That is how I feel about where I live.  I hate it here because it is cold, rainy (that is an understatement) and for much of the year it is either dark and/or gloomy (an average of 226 cloudy days per year).  When there has been five minutes of sun, people run outside or to the window just for the simple pleasure of feeling the sun on their face.  I was born and raised in sunnier states.  I never thought I would say it, but there are times I even miss living in southern Florida. 

I have learned though, through the twenty-one years that I have lived here to look for way to be content and at times happy.  Philippians 4:13 had become one of my favorite Bible verses but I believe you need to back it up a little and include Philippians 4:11-13.  Paul said in these verses

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I have found contentment in where God has placed me.  I have found that through Christ I have the strength to get out of bed.  I have the strength to make it through the day when I go to work and come home from work in the dark.  I have the strength to make it through over 100 days of rain.  I have also learned that when I feel that strength dwindling God will send someone or something along to encourage me and to renew my strength.  Psalm 40:31 says

but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.

Today was one of those days.  God gave us a day of sun, beautiful fluffy white clouds, and beautiful clear blue sky.  It was a day that I truly appreciated because of those days of rain.  I try to take advantage of those days; to be refreshed and renewed.  To take the time to observe God’s wonderful creation and to spend time just thanking Him for all He gives and all He does for me.  For giving me strength to make it through the rain and the renewal of that strength through the sun and better yet through His Son. 

And this allows me to say as David did in Psalm 9:1

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders;
I will be glad and rejoice in you,
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

So if you are in a situation you dislike, detest or simply just hate, you need to look for ways to find happiness, joy or at the very least contentment.  Also remember that Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…”  Therefore the situation you find yourself in will only last for a period or God will change your outlook toward that situation.

Don't Judge Me...

“Don’t judge me” are words that I hear from one of my students almost daily.  I usually hear them right before she tells me the latest situation that she has gotten into.  I admire this student because she is many things that I am not.  She is outgoing, upbeat, loud, friendly and extroverted.  She can easily laugh at herself and the crazy things she does.  She is open, granted sometimes a little too open, but that is who she is.  Because of these characteristics (and because she wants to hear it), she is one of my favorite students and one I will remember for years to come.

But back to her words – don’t judge me.  Those are words that I often want to barrow.  I have many people who judge me but because I am not like my student they do not know me so they judge me on only what they see.  Or better yet, on what they think they see.

One of the areas that I am judged on the most is my occupation.  And unfortunately that judgment mostly comes from other Christians.  For example, the typical conversation when I meet someone at church is for them to ask me what I do and my reply is that I am a teacher.  Their response is a big smile and the next question is always what Christian school do you teach in?  Unfortunately the conversation does not last much longer because my answer is I teach in a public high school.  There it is, my secret is out.  I am a public high school teacher.  Remember – don’t judge me.

I am just as shocked as they are.  This is not where I was supposed to be.  I was supposed to be a veterinarian and running my own clinic by now.  But God had other plans.  He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you…”  Well, His plans were not my plans and His plans were not those of other Christians I meet.

So do not judge me because I followed where God lead.  Do not judge me because He had called me to be there to pray, to model the fruits of the Spirit, to help and to show “brotherly” love to those who happen to go to public school.  Jesus did not spend His time on earth only with those who were blameless.  Jesus spent time with sinners.  “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples” (Matthew 9:10).  In Luke 19:7, “All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner’.”  And in Luke 15:1-2, “Now the tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were all gathering to hear him.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  I am no better than my Lord and Savior so how can I separate myself from the world he placed himself in the middle of?

This is the mission field God has called me to so don’t judge me.  And the next time you meet a school teacher do not assume that you know who they are.  Most of all don’t judge them because they too may have answered God’s call and work in a public school.  Instead of judging us maybe you should ask yourself if you are following where God has called you.  And maybe you should take the time to pray for us because we are not alone here and we need God’s help working in this mission field.

Not Just Individuals...

My grandmother always said that if I am suffering then I must be doing something right but if I am not then the devil is leaving me alone because he has already gotten me.  Do you rejoice at suffering?  Do you see it as a result of God's work?  First Peter 4: 12-13 explores this idea further.  Peter said 

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Peter is telling us to expect and rejoice in suffering.  But he is clear that we should rejoice if the suffering is for Jesus.  Unfortunately, suffering for Jesus is not the only reason for suffering.  Are we suffering for the right reasons?  We need to look at ourselves and our actions to make sure we are not bringing the suffering on ourselves.  

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (I Peter 4:15)

We are called to distinguish between suffering for being a believer and suffering because of our actions.  We should seek counsel and pray to determine the cause of our suffering.  We need to seek to find if we are causing our suffering so we can correct our wrongs and continue with the work God has for us.

But this is not just about us as individuals.  This is also true with the church.  Almost weekly our pastor gets up and talks about how we are suffering, we are having trouble paying our bills and meeting our needs.  He also mentions how we are not the only ones, that he had pastor friends whose churches are the same.  But does that make it alright?  We need to know why.  Are we suffering for Christ?  We need to search ourselves as a church body to find out why we are suffering.  Peter also says 

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17) 

If God is going to begin with the church, are the hard times we are going through a result of His judgment for our sins?  Is it a wake-up call to us to repent as He called the churches in Revelation to repent.  Do we compare to Pergamum where we tolerate compromise (Revelation 2:12-17)?  Or Laodicea where we are only lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22)?  Or are we going through hard times like Smyrna and we just need to hold on (Revelation 2:8-11)?  Or like faithful Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)?


The only way to know the truth as an individual or as a church is to get on our knees and seek God's guidance.  We must open our hearts and minds to what God has for us and be prepared to accept what He tells us.

So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  (I Peter 4:19)

Emergency Preparedness (Part 2)

So what do we do while we wait?  Along with the signs of the end times in Matthew 24, Christ gives us instructions on how to live.  Nine of those instructions are (as listed in Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine)

1.  Watch out that no one deceives you (v. 4).  The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and His words.

2. Do not be alarmed at the signs; they must happen (v. 6)

3.  Stand firm to the end (v. 13).  "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).  We will not be saved by standing firm, but our persistence to stand firm will show our commitment to Jesus. We may not be suffering for our beliefs but there are people in the world who are.  Christ says that we are one body so if one Christian suffers then we all suffer.  First Corinthians 12:26 says "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices wit it."  So do we pray for those who are suffering?  Do we try to help lighten their load?  Some day that could be you or I.

4.  Continue preaching the gospel throughout the world (v. 14).  Christ says that the gospel will be preached in the whole world before His return.  His last command before leaving this earth was the Great Commission.

5.  Be ready to flee from evil and persecution (vv. 16-19).  "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:11).

6.  Know from the signs that Christ's coming and the end are very near (v. 33)

7.  Watch continually for Christ's coming (v. 42).  Christ second coming will be swift and sudden.  There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining.  The choice we have already made will determine our eternal destiny (Life Application Bible p1586).

8.  Be ready spiritually for Christ's return (v. 44).  Christ does not give us these signs to predict His second coming, but He gave them as a warning to be prepared.

9.  Be a faithful and wise servant as you await Christ's coming (vv. 45-46).  Jesus calls us continue His work taking care of those in need.  Showing them who Jesus is by meeting their mental, physical and spiritual needs.  Leading them to Christ so they to may see eternity with Jesus Christ.


So while you watch for the signs of the end times make sure your focus is on following Christ's instruction.  Focusing on these will help you focus on Christ and focusing on Christ will help you prepare for his second coming.

Emergency Preparedness (Part 1)

Since the earthquake in Japan we have been bombarded with information about natural disasters and emergency preparedness every time we turn on the television.  Last week on one of the late night news shows there was a segment about a man living in a city who even had goats and chickens for milk, eggs, babies, and if necessary meat.  Have we gone too far?  Are we truly preparing for what is really important?  Are we too busy living for the future and not preparing for eternity?

We are living in a time that we need to be prepared.  We need to be prepared by recognizing the signs and watching for Jesus' return.  We need to be prepared for where we will spend eternity.  So what are the signs we are to watch for?  According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, Matthew 24:4-38 reveals between 25 and 30 signs of the end times (p149).  It lists the 12 most prominent ones as

the appearance of deceivers (v. 5), wars and rumors of wars (v. 6), famine (v. 7), earthquakes (v. 7), persecution and martyrdom (v. 9), believers being hated around the world (v. 10), apostasy (v. 10) false prophets (v. 11), wickedness and evil overcoming love (v. 12), signs and miracles by false prophets (v. 24), sun and moon darkened (v. 29), and people living carelessly as in the days of Noah (v. 38).

  These are only signs of the end times.  We do not know the time or date when Christ will return because 1 Thessalonians 5:2 tells us "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."  

So are you watching for the signs?  Are you excited about what is happening in the world around us?  Are you concerned about what is to come?  Are you worried about being physically and financially prepared?  Do you want to look at these events with awe and excitement?  Well, what you need is Jesus Christ.  You need to know and acknowledge what He did for each and every one of us when He became our Savior.  We have that excitement that these signs will lead us to another life, another world.  One where we can live for eternity with our Lord and Savior.  We do not have to do anything except accept Him.  So, is your emergency preparedness kit ready?  Have you said yes to the only one who can see you through every thing?  Do not be left behind because you decided to make the choice too late.

How many ribs?

I am not a typical high school teacher.  My classroom has posters all over the walls and cabinet doors, things hanging from the ceiling, collections of Mr. Potato Heads, etc. It is a busy place but all of it is to help my students learn.

I was teaching Anatomy last year, so I had life size posters on the walls that showed the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.  During math one day, one of my students blurted out the question, "How many ribs do males and females have?"  I had a suspicion about what and why he was asking but I inquired what he meant.  He said "Well, you know that whole story about the man and woman, you know, from the Bible."  I knew alright.  I knew he was talking about Genesis 2:21-22.

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  The the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

I knew where he was headed.  I had taught Anatomy several times and I had prayed numerous times that this question would not come up.  I knew what the Bible said about the creation of man and woman, and I knew the scientific answer.  I had never taken the time to prepare an answer. I knew if I said they each have 24 ribs that it would lead to questions about why shouldn't they have a different number of ribs if God took one rib.  

So what was I to do.  I took a deep breath and said a quick prayer that God would give the words that were needed.  I opened my mouth and what came out was a shock to me.  My answer was they both have 24 ribs.  I know the Bible says that a rib was taken from Adam to create Eve, but God had already created the genetic code (DNA) for the human body.  You learned about how DNA works in biology class.  God taking the rib from Adam did not change his DNA any more than your father loosing a leg before you were born would change his.  You would still be born with two legs.  

The student's response was ok and he went back to work.  My response was "Wow. Where did that come from?"  Then I realized God had answered my prayer.  He gave me the answer I needed in a way to help this student understand.  I felt in this instance the Holy Spirit gave me the gift of wisdom.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit... (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)

According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, the Word of Wisdom is "the supernatural inspiration for speaking the right word at the right time" (p97).  I asked and God gave me the right words to speak at the right time.  All I had to do was ask.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Fruit of the Spirit

I mentioned in earlier posts that I am a teacher.  Typically I teach high school math and science (stop cringing, I enjoy it). As a teacher I depend of the Holy Spirit being part of my life.  I would not be successful or effective without Him.  I need the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) - in working with my students.  Here are three example of the fruits I have experienced through teaching.

My first example is patience.  I am not a patient person but during the last few years I have had several people mention that they cannot believe how patient I am with students.  What they see is not me but the Holy Spirit.  I do not have the patience to sit with a student for hours after school tutoring them in three, four, and five classes so they can pass for the semester.  I do not have the patience to continually redirect students to do the task at hand.  I do not have the patience to explain over and over in different ways the same concept because a student has trouble grasping or retaining the idea.  But the Holy Spirit gives me the patience to do these things. 

My second example is kindness.  According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, kindness "is related to mercy and grace - unmerited or undeserved kindness" (p92).  This is not an easy fruit to display at times because it causes more work for me.  I see kindness in my class as a fruit of second chances.  Students are not perfect.  They have bad days, bad home lives, they leave things at home, and they forget.  So showing kindness is giving them the chance to redo a test or assignment, turn in a late paper, giving an extension on a deadline, etc.  They do not deserve the kindness, but then we do not deserve it when God forgives our sins or when Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us.

My third example is meekness.  Meekness is "inner strength in the face of difficult or undesirable circumstances beyond the control of the Spirit-filled believer (p92).  Meekness is a hard one because I always want to fall back on childish tendencies when I do not get my way.  One of the difficulties of being a teacher is that your job assignment (classes you teach) can change yearly.  Last year, I was called to the principal's office so he could tell me I would be teaching social studies this year.  I could have screamed, hollered, pitched a fit but what would I have accomplished.  Instead it was meekness that came through.  The Holy Spirit gave me the inner strength to calmly say "OK, thank you for letting me know so I can prepare."  The last thing I wanted was to learn three new curriculum and to spend time over the summer preparing for subjects I had never taught, but the Holy Spirit gave me the strength to cope and move on.

Life is not easy but it is easier when you are not traveling alone.  The Holy Spirit gives you what you need when you need it if you depend on Him and allow it.